Tony vs. Laurence Olivier

[artist_in_waiting]

In your opinion, which of the two award-giving bodies is more credible and prestigious? And why? In short, which would you rather have?

Do you know of actors who have won both?

[Thesbijean]

For the same role?

In London the Oliviers are more prestigous, and here, the Tonys are.

[artist_in_waiting]

Not necessarily for the same role. Just actors who have been recognized by both.

[musicaltheater1]

They are both prestigous in their own countries of origin.
Lea Salonga and Jonathan Pryce won the Laurence Olivier and the Tony Awards for the same roles they originated in the West End and on Broadway (Miss Saigon).

[dirty rotten guy]

Well I would say that although they are equally prestigous, the Tony might mean a bit more just because New York is the capital of the theater world.

[artist_in_waiting]

Lea Salonga swept all the awards for her Kim, not only the Tonys and LOs. She also won the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and the Theatre World awards. Amazing!

[Thesbijean]

I know Patti has won both

[theatreguy]

Nathan Lane and Jane Krakowski have also won both. He won both for The Producers, she won the Tony for Nine and the Olivier for Guys and Dolls.

[DG]

Ian McKellen.

[kec]

Shuler Hensley also won both for his portrayal of Jud Fry in OKLAHOMA.

[jo]

Michael Crawford won both the Olivier and the Tony for his portrayal in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.